Caerphilly County Borough residents will be putting their best feet forward for charity as they take part in this year’s London Marathon on April 26.
Jamie Smith, 33, of Caerphilly, is a manager at McDonalds and is hoping to raise £2,000 for charity Children with Cancer UK.
Jamie explained: “I believe that every child deserves a chance at a childhood without suffering and pain, to enjoy and have happy memories.”
You can sponsor Jamie at www.virginmoneygiving.com/Run2015.
Ex-Royal Engineer Alyn Tomkinson, 39, of Penallta, is raising money for the Shaw Trust, which offers employment services for disabled and disadvantaged people.
After suffering with degenerative discs and a damaged knee, Alyn was forced to leave the armed forces after ten years of active service. He explained that times were hard as he sought employment with his condition and later found work as a health and safety advisor.
He said: “I feel strong about getting people back into work with disabilities or who are at a disadvantage having been in that situation in the past, but not knowing where to turn. We have come through some hard time and know its time to give back.”
You can sponsor Alyn at www.justgiving.com/Alyn-London-before40.
Runner Dominic Taylor will take part in his first marathon on the anniversary of his mum’s death from a brain tumour.
Dom, aged 34 from Newbridge, will remember his mum Susan Taylor who died at the age of 49 and he hopes his efforts will raise thousands of pounds for the charity Brain Tumour Research.
He said: “I will be running the London Marathon 17 years to the day since I lost my mum. I was 17 at the time and could only watch as she underwent surgery, then radiotherapy and had epileptic seizures. She survived for just six months and ten days.”
Dom, who works as a territory manager for a food sales company, added: “This will be my first and last marathon and I am doing it for my mum and to help other families affected by this dreadful disease. I know the event will be both physically and emotionally challenging but I think it will be a fitting tribute.”
Also among the runners will be Labour’s Islwyn Parliamentary candidate Chris Evans, who is running for charity Contact a Family which helps families with disabled children.
Chris said: “For the past 35 years Contact a Family has been there for disabled children, their parents, siblings and carers. This wonderful organisation supports families and helps them help each other through any challenge or difficulty that comes their way.
“It is a privilege to be able to help them by running the London Marathon.”
You can sponsor Chris at www.justgiving.com/Chris-Evans-lm
• Are you taking part in this year’s London Marathon?
We’d love to hear your story. Just email news@caerphilly.observer or call 029 21250855.